Wrongful Death Attorney

No amount of monetary recovery can ever make up for the loss of a loved one as a result of another party's negligence or recklessness. Measuring the value of loss is not an exact science, but the laws in North Carolina do provide means whereby the victim's surviving spouse, beneficiaries or dependants can bring suit against the responsible party or parties. The term "wrongful death" refers to a lawsuit filed when the wrongful, negligent, reckless, intentional, or accidental conduct of a person or entity results in another's death.

• Was your loved one killed in an automobile accident?
• Did the death happen as a result of another party's negligence?
• Were there factors at the workplace or construction site that contributed to the untimely death of a loved one?
• Did a product, medication, misdiagnosis, or procedure lead to the death?

Wrongful death causes can vary, but are most commonly due to accidents, recklessness, or negligence. Some common causes are automobile accidents, construction accidents, industrial accidents, fires, or medical malpractice. Products and prescription drugs can also be causes of wrongful death. When a loved one dies at the fault of another party, the state of North Carolina allows action to be brought against the responsible party.

Our firm represents clients in their effort to recover damages for the loss of a loved one due to another party's actions or inactions. Wrongful death claims can be complicated and need to handled properly and in a timely manner.

The law in North Carolina limits the timeframe in which action can be brought against another party for the wrongful death of a loved one. If you have questions about a potential claim, contact our North Carolina wrongful death attorney today.

What's my case worth?

Though it is not an exact science, several factors are used to guide the amount of demages an attorney can recover for a wrongful death lawsuit. The courts may look at the age of the deceased, life expectancy, along with their health history. The same factors are examined regarding the heirs and dependents. Was the deceased the sole breadwinner or care provider? If so, the financial and emotional loss is factored into the amount of damages. Other factors considered include:

• loss of companionship
• loss of future earnings
• deceased's insurance coverage
• loss of love and affection
• medical expenses
• expenses related to burial and funeral arrangements

Who can bring a wrongful death lawsuit?

Wrongful death claims can be made by the estate of the deceased. This usually means the surviving spouse, surviving dependents, and/or the parents of the deceased depending on the circumstances of the death.

Can I sue if my loved one was murdered?

Yes. Wrongful death lawsuits are civil matters and do not adhere to the same standards as criminal matters. The case of O.J. Simpson vs. the parents of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson is a perfect example. Though Mr. Simpson was found "not guilty" for the murders, the families of the deceased brought civil action against Mr. Simpson. North Carolina also allows such claims depending on the facts of the case.